By Ruchika Kher
Film: “My Name Is Khan”; Music Directors: Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonca; Lyricist: Niranjan Iyengar; Singers: Rashid Khan, Adnan Sami, Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal, Suraj Jagan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Richa Sharma and Shafqat Amanat Ali; Rating: *** 1/2

The soundtrack of the latest offering of Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan,”My Name Is Khan”, boasts of Sufi flavour. Composed by Johar’s favourite Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the album has six originals and most of the compositions are soul-stirring.

The album starts with “Sajda”. Sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shankar Mahadevan and Richa Sharma, it’s a Sufi number that tugs at one’s heartstrings. The sounds of tablas and dholaks keep the listener hooked. With great voices behind the mike, “Sajda” is a must hear.

Next is “Noor-e-khuda”, an unplugged version sung by Adnan Sami, Shreya Ghoshal and Shankar. It’s a soft, pleasing love ballad that instantly strikes a chord. Most part of the song is male- dominated, but it gets an edge when Shreya enters with her honey-tucked voice close to the end of the track.

Shafqat Amanat Ali renders “Tere naina” brilliantly. The subtle orchestration and melody make for an interesting hear. It changes gear mid-way when it slips into the qawwali mode which elevates it further.

Up next is “Allah hi rahem” - again a Sufi number. Crooned by Rashid Ali, it is enchanting. The lyrics are simple yet profound and the song transports you to a completely different world. One of the best songs of the album.

Then there is “Rang de” by Shankar with ample support from Suraj Jagan. The song with influences of rock is nice and refreshing. It talks about peace, triumph and joy.

The album also has a “My Name Is Khan” theme song by Pakistani band Strings. It is an intriguing piece.

On the whole, every song in the album is above average. The composers have stuck to the theme of the film and the soundtrack has the potential to rock the charts.